We hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas weekend. As we all enjoy this last, somewhat lazy, week of 2011, we hope you’ll all be preparing for a great 2012.

But we can’t let the past week get lost in the holiday shuffle.

Let’s review some of the good news the week brought to our community.

– Concordia Parish educators are thinking outside the box when it comes to educating area children. The district is considering the creation of a magnet school at Ridgecrest. The school would focus on math, science and technology and give advanced students a place to excel. The school board and U.S. Justice Department must approve the idea, but, regardless of the outcome, we are happy that the administrators are considering new and different ideas.

– The Natchez Waste Water Treatment plant is getting closer to making a profit of its, well, waste. The plant installed new equipment in a greenhouse last year in hopes of being able to save money disposing of its waste. The process already saves, but officials hope it can also make money in the long run as they sell sludge for use as fertilizer.

– Natchez High School students in the Jobs for Mississippi’s Graduates program worked during their last week of school before the holiday break to prepare boxes of food for needy residents. We are glad these students are learning to help those in their community, and we know their contributions were appreciated.

– Santa visited town this weekend, bringing plenty of cheer along with him. Thanks to the Children’s Christmas Tree Fund and Santa Claus Committee organizers for hosting a great parade and toy giveaway on Saturday.

As we say goodbye to another year later this week, we know the coming year will be great.